Step for mobile homes and the like

ABSTRACT

A portable, knock down structure comprising one or more steps for use as a means to step up into a mobile home or the like. One or more of the treads may be adapted to be easily opened by hinges or the like so that the interior of the structure may be used as a handy storage space.

United States Patent inventor David Seagraves 1738 W. 16th St., Mesa, Ariz. 85201 808,835

Mar. 20, 1969 May 11, 1971 Appl. No. Filed Patented STEP FOR MOBILE HOMES AND THE LIKE 1 Claim, 3 Drawing Figs.

US. Cl. 182/129, 182/106,182/115 Int. Cl E06c 7/00 Field of Search 182/ 129, 106, 115

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS I 2,658,640 11/1953 Bayles 182/129 3,043,396 7/ 1962 Norris 182/ l 15 3,207,260 9/1965 Castagna 182/106 FOREIGN PATENTS 329,915 5/1930 Great Britain 182/ 129 Primary Examiner-Reinaldo P. Machado Attorney-A, John Michel ABSTRACT: A portable, knock down structure comprising one or more steps for use as a means to step up into a mobile home or the like. One or more of the treads may be adapted to be easily opened by hinges or the like so that the interior of the structure may be used as a handy storage space.

PATENT-ED m 1 l9?! $578.1 1O

' sum 1 or 2 INVENTOR.

' DAVID SEAGRAVES BY HIS ATTORNEY PATENTED um 1 I97!- SHEET 2 BF 2 INVENTOR. DAVID SEAGRAVES BY ms ATTORNEY STEP FOR MOBILE HOMES AND THE LIKE This invention relates to new and useful improvements in steps and the like structures and more particularly to steps of the type which are capable of being readily assembled and taken apart as for transportation of the same.

It is an object of this invention to provide improved methods of and means for the easy assembly or construction of a structure comprising a relatively small number of stair steps such as are used to ascend to a higher elevation, as for example with a camper or mobile home or the like.

Another object of this invention is to provide a structure of the type mentioned which will provide storage space in'its interior. 1

A further object of this invention is to provide a structure of the type mentioned in the so-called knocked-down" condition which can be easily and readily assembled, disassembled, transported, and reassembled for use.

Other objects and features, inherent in and encompassed by this invention, will become apparent as preferred embodiments of the invention are disclosed by way of examples in the following specification and accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the invention in the assembled condition and ready for use both as a step or step ladder and as a convenient means to store objects therein;

FIG. 2 is an exploded view, in perspective, of an embodiment of the invention, partly in the unassembled condition; and

FlG. 3 is a detail view of the means for fastening the railing of FIG. 1 to the inventive structure.

Referring now more particularly to the various FIGS. of the drawings, there is shown, substantially, a step and storage combination comprising sidewalls or bridge boards 10, treads l2, risers 14, back wall 15, cleats l3, hinges l6, skids l7, floor board 18 and railing 20.

The treads 12 may preferably be covered with outdoor carpeting 23 which is suitably held down flat upon the tread area by means of an angle mold aluminum trim 2S and a suitable waterproof adhesive.

The railing, generally indicated at 20, comprises tubular members 22 andomamental grill 24, the latter being secured to the tubular member 22 by any suitable means such as preferably by rivets, or alternatively by screws or by welding. The entire railing is secured to the sidewall or bridgeboard 10 by means such as shown, for example, in FIG. 3, namely comprising bolt 26, spacer 27, nut 28, and washers 30.

A rain trough 32 or Weatherstrip 33 may preferably be provided at one or all of the angles fonned by the juncture of the treads 12 with the risers l4.

FIG. 2'shows an exploded view of an embodiment of the invention. The various reference characters in this FlG. are identical with those 'of FIG. 1.

It will be seen from the above that it is simple, efficient and convenient to assemble the various elements and panel members shown in FIG. 2 which may usually be shippedto the user in a box and in a compact disassembled or knocked-down position, by means such as wood screws or the like, to obtain the structure shown in FIG. 1 with or without the hand rail, the latter being an accessory at the choice of the user.

Likewise, depending upon the preference of the user, the structure according to this invention, may be adapted tobe used as a combined storage box and step ladder, or merely for the latter purpose only, simply by replacing the hinges 16 by a fixed assemblage such as wood screws or the like.

lt will also be understood that various modifications may be made in the above described embodiments. For example, the number of steps may vary from one to any desired number, .four being a preferred maximum number. Also, when the structure above described is to be used as a combined step and storage means, the hinge or hinges 16 are fastened to those tread members which are .to form the cover or lid for the corresponding storage sections.

Preferably, the outer surface 11 of side board 10, back siding 15 and risers 14, is made of aluminum sheathing of an suitable weight and thickness, aluminum being the preferre metal on account of its light weight. The basic structural material for the walls, risers, cleats, treads etc. may be selected from the group including weatherproof materials for exterior use such as for example plywood, weatherproof building board and similar relatively lightweight materials.

The foregoing description of this invention refers only to preferred embodiments thereof, featuring such significant factors as portability, ease of construction, ease of shipment, substantial reduction of the space requirements when boxed for shipment, easy storage when knocked-down, ready assembly and disassembly, panel construction, and maximum of storage space when in use.

lclaim:

1. In combination, a knock down, portable, waterproof stepup and storage structure for mobile homes and the like, said structure comprising one or more treads, one or more rain troughs for said treads, frontal and lateral supports for said treads, a floor or bottom section, and means adapted to raise or swing at least one of said treads into an open position, in such a manner as to gain access to the storage space within said structure, said structure being adapted to protect the objects stored therein free from rain and snow. 

1. In combination, a knock down, portable, waterproof stepup and storage structure for mobile homes and the like, said structure comprising one or more treads, one or more rain troughs for said treads, frontal and lateral supports for said treads, a floor or bottom section, and means adapted to raise or swing at least one of said treads into an open position, in such a manner as to gain access to the storage space within said structure, said structure being adapted to protect the objects stored therein free from rain and snow. 